The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

The pilot-in-command of the Cessna 210 suffered a seizure which rendered him unconscious. He was subsequently unable to safely control the aircraft. The geoscience operator, who was also a rated pilot and was sitting in the right seat of the aircraft, took control of the aircraft and diverted to and landed safely at Bourke. The geoscience operator had to continually prevent the pilot-in-command's body from inadvertently fouling the flight controls during the return flight to Bourke. After the aircraft landed, the pilot regained consciousness and underwent medical treatment. Later the same day the pilot suffered another seizure and was hospitalised for a short period.